UAE's South Asian Community Unites for Vibrant Kite Festival

Hundreds of South Asian expatriates in the UAE gathered to celebrate Basant, a traditional harvest festival, with a colorful kite-flying event in Sharjah. The festival, which took place over two days, allowed attendees to relive childhood memories and connect with their cultural roots through friendly kite battles and community festivities.

Key Takeaways

• Event: Basant Festival celebrating South Asian heritage
• Location: Nazwa, Sharjah
• Date: February 16-17, 2025
• Activities: Kite flying, music performances, food stalls
• Attendance: Hundreds of South Asian expats participated

A Celebration of Culture

The Basant festival is a cherished tradition in India and Pakistan, marking the arrival of spring and the harvest season. This year, the event was organized by Al Ghurair Exchange, aiming to bring the vibrant spirit of the festival to the UAE.

Ali Hassan, a business development manager at Al Ghurair Exchange, expressed the importance of this event, stating, "We wanted to bring this experience to the UAE so that expats could relive their childhood memories and introduce younger generations to this tradition."

Kite Flying: A Nostalgic Experience

For many attendees, the festival was a nostalgic journey back to their childhood. Rahim Khan, an enthusiastic kite flyer, shared, "It reminds me of the days when we used to run to the rooftops back home and compete to cut each other’s kites. The atmosphere here is electric and the cool breeze makes it perfect for flying kites."

Families and friends gathered under tents, enjoying the festive atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement. Shazia Malik, who attended with her family, noted, "We planned this for weeks. We brought food, chairs, and music — it's like a picnic with the added thrill of kite flying. This event has really brought the community together."

Kite Variety and Sales

The festival featured a wide array of kites, with over 25,000 kites brought in from Pakistan. Kite enthusiasts had plenty of options, with prices ranging from Dh4 to Dh200. The largest kite, standing at an impressive eight feet, was priced at Dh200.

Here’s a breakdown of the kite offerings:

In addition to individual kites, a special package was available, including one thread roll and eight kites, making it easier for families to participate in the festivities.

Entertainment and Performances

The two-day festival kicked off with great enthusiasm, starting on Saturday at 4 PM and continuing until 2 AM. The festivities included live performances by renowned Pakistani singers Abrar Ahmed and Bilal Saeed, who entertained the crowd with their popular songs on Sunday evening.

The event not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of South Asia but also fostered a sense of community among expatriates in the UAE, allowing them to connect with their roots and share cherished traditions with their families and friends.

As the kites soared high in the sky, the spirit of Basant brought joy and unity to the South Asian community in the UAE, making it a memorable celebration for all.

Sources

• Look: UAE's South Asian expats relive childhood memories of kite-cutting battles in desert celebration, Khaleej Times.